West Indies
West Indies (Credit: Getty Images)

Three West Indies players have reportedly declined to travel to England for next month’s Test series due to coronavirus concerns. West Indies are scheduled to play three-match Test series in England next month. The series was initially scheduled to take place in June before it was postponed due to the pandemic.

The ECB announced the new schedule on Tuesday. As expected, the three-match Test series will be played behind closed doors. The games will take place at The Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford subject to UK Government clearance, stated the ECB.

England will host the Caribbean outfit at The Ageas Bowl from July 8 before the series switches to Old Trafford for the final two games of the series, from July 16 and July 24 respectively, with the stadiums selected as bio-secure venues in large part due to their on-site hotel.

England
England. (Credits: Twitter)

After the provisional schedule for the series was announced, ECB director of events, Steve Elworthy, said: “Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders including players, match officials, operational staff, essential venue staff, broadcasters and media.

“We are in daily dialogue with Government and our medical team, who have been incredibly supportive during this period.

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“These are our proposed dates and they remain subject to UK Government approval. ‘We would like to thank Cricket West Indies for their co-operation and dedication in making this tour a reality, and we all look forward to the prospect of cricket returning in the coming weeks,” he added.

But while the ECB is doing all it can to provide safe conditions for the series, three unnamed West Indies players have decided against travelling to the UK, according to MailSport.

Cricket West Indies are expected to name their 25-man squad for the trip later today. Meanwhile, West Indies captain Jason Holder has already said he would hold no grudge if players refused to travel.

England vs West Indies schedule

First Test –  July 8, Ageas Bowl

Second Test – July 16, Old Trafford

Third Test – July 24, Old Trafford

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